AboutJeff Laatsch Expertise WA Law with respect to family court issues: order to show cause/notice of motions, establishing or modification of an order, custody, visitation, child support, parenting schedules, mediation, preparations and filings of all documents: International relocation experience: Create a win/win/win situation between Mom-Children-Dad...
Experience Self taught and experience with working with various Court Clerks.
Question QUESTION: my child's father and i were never married and recently broke up. he is Jamacian and my child and i were born in the us. i am terrified that he will take her on a "visit" to Jamacia and never bring her back!! does he need my permission to take her out of the country or can he just take her?? please help me or direct me to someone who can give me peace of mind!!! we havent gone to court or anything, was trying to avoid that and remain amicable. so afraid that i cant sleep at nite without waking up to make sure she is still here!!
ANSWER: Brandy:
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT A LAWYER or ATTORNEY. I am someone who has experience with family law issues, and am sharing my OPINION only. For the exact law as it pertains to your specific case contact a Professional Attorney in your area/county.
Yes, he must have a travel consent form. I would recommend that you hire a Professional Attorney: Most Attorneys offer 1/2 free consultation time to discuss case and payment options.
YOU Must go to court to get TEMP custody which makes you primary person PLUS Child support and parenting plan WHICH STATES no International Travel without authorization.
DO not allow unsupervised visitation UNTIL COURT DOCUMENTS FILED!
The Attorney will help you contact the proper TSA authorities plus US Customs and Airlines to ensure that said child does not travel: DO NOT AUTHORIZE A US PASSPORT. DO NOT GIVE UP CHILD PASSPORT. I recommend contacting your local US Passport office to get documentation to file to ensure that said child CANNOT travel without your Authorization or PASSPORT.
Kind Regards,
Jeff
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: my child does not have a passport yet, but her father is pushing to get her one. he says he wants to go in sept. to jamacia. i have let him know that i will be travelling with them. he seems to be okay with this. once we get her passport and return from this trip, does he still need the travel consent form for any trip he plans from there on out? is there any way to get the paperwork from the passport office withoput his knowledge? im afraid because he may not plan to ever do anything like what i am thinking and if so, i dont want to give him reason to. i am so afraid.
Answer Brandy:
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT A LAWYER or ATTORNEY. I am someone who has experience with family law issues, and am sharing my OPINION only. For the exact law as it pertains to your specific case contact a Professional Attorney in your area/county.
Yes, and once again YOU control the passport. Until you are divorce and even after you are divorce you will need a Travel Consent form indicating:
- Start DATE, TIME and Traveling to
- End DATE, TIME and RETurn home to
Both must sign
I am not sure about getting passport paperwork, but you can ask any USA Passport service: IF child has DUAL Citizenship then ensure you have BOTH Passports if applicable.
IF Afraid why travel with him? Simple wait until everything is legal and signed prior to any travel and maybe even travel alone (You and Child only).
I recommend that you hire a Professional Attorney: Most Attorneys offer 1/2 free consultation time to discuss case and payment options. Work with Attorney.
